Garfield, Albany
Updated June 22, 2026 · 1,117 residents
Garfield is a highly walkable neighborhood in Albany, California, featuring a dense suburban layout with convenient access to local dining and public parks. Residents benefit from the top-tier Albany City Unified School District, though the area is characterized by closely spaced homes and noticeable road traffic noise.
Key Highlights
About Garfield
Garfield is a compact, residential enclave in Albany that offers a blend of suburban living and urban convenience. The neighborhood is defined by its consistent sidewalk network and proximity to retail hubs, where residents can find diverse dining options such as Kyoto Ramen, Wingstop, and local favorites like All Star Donuts. With access to green spaces like Harding Park, the area provides a functional environment for daily activities, supported by high air quality and a complete absence of industrial proximity. According to iHuus data, the neighborhood maintains a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere that balances residential comfort with accessibility.
Prospective residents should consider the trade-offs of this dense setting, which includes tightly packed housing with limited privacy and a moderate level of road traffic noise. While the area is served by the highly-rated Albany City Unified School District, it is important to note the local fire safety profile. The neighborhood is best suited for those who prioritize walkability and academic access over expansive personal yards or complete acoustic seclusion.
Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities
Residential lots feature closely packed houses with narrow side yards and shared walls in certain blocks. This level of density is typical for the area and aligns closely with the Albany city average according to iHuus data.
Pedestrian infrastructure is exceptional here, featuring a dense sidewalk grid and clear crossings that surpass the Albany average. Residents can easily navigate the neighborhood on foot via well-connected paths through residential streets and local commercial hubs.
Typical tract housing and mid-sized apartment complexes define the local landscape, featuring modest yards and boxy rooflines. This visual character is slightly below the Albany city average.
Abundant green spaces and proximity to large parks like Ocean View provide ample room for pets. Continuous street verges and accessible trails offer more safe walking options than the Albany average.
Residential layouts feature a dense suburban mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes alongside larger retail centers. This balance of housing types and commercial access is typical for the city average, according to iHuus data.
Local dining and social spots are more concentrated here than in the rest of Albany. Residents have access to a diverse range of cafes, galleries, and eateries situated near suburban streets and green spaces, according to iHuus data.
Frequent disturbances from nearby railroad tracks and heavy freeway traffic characterize this area. According to iHuus data, acoustic comfort in Garfield is lower than the average for Albany.
Air quality in Garfield remains consistently high with minimal health concerns. This level of air purity is on par with the rest of Albany.
Large warehouses and heavy industrial hazards are absent from this area, making it more residential than the Albany average. According to iHuus data, only light commercial use and residential zones are present, though some noise from adjacent highway-linked commercial lots may occur.
Health insurance coverage among residents is lower than the average for Albany. According to iHuus data, a minority of the population lacks comprehensive health coverage.
Voting patterns and census indicators reflect a deeply liberal political landscape that is consistent with the broader Albany area. Residents will find a community with political values mirroring the city average.
Residents live alongside a balanced mix of young professionals, families, and seniors. This demographic spread is largely in line with the broader Albany area, according to iHuus data.
Significant flood risk exists here as the area is located within a designated floodplain; according to iHuus data, this level of vulnerability is higher than the Albany average.
Block-Level Insights for Garfield
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| Dimension | Garfield | Albany Terrace |
|---|---|---|
| 🚶 Walkabilityavg 9.53 | ||
| 🔊 Acoustic Comfortavg 3.69 | ||
| 🤫 Privacy Indexavg 4.06 | ||
| 🎨 Visual Appealavg 6.31 | ||
| 🐕 Dog Friendlinessavg 7.13 | ||
| 🗺️ Urban-Rural Indexavg 6.55 | ||
| ✨ Neighborhood Vibeavg 6.15 | ||
| 🏥 Health Insurance Coverageavg 8.83 | ||
| 🌿 Air Qualityavg 10 | ||
| 🏭 Industrial Proximityavg 8.16 | ||
| 🌊 Flood Safetyavg 3.37 | ||
| 🗳️ Ideological Leanavg 9.97 | ||
| 👥 Population Age Profileavg 4.96 | ||
| 🔥 Fire Safety | ||
| 🏫 School Quality |
Garfield Rankings
School Districts Serving Garfield
Albany City Unified School District is a premier educational system characterized by exceptional academic results, stable labor relations, and strong community support. With high schools and middle schools scoring 10/10 and elementary schools following closely, the district maintains a robust feeder system into its flagship high school. Although the district faces moderate financial headwinds related to deficit spending and lean reserves, its ability to pass local bonds and maintain a three-year teacher contract indicates high institutional stability. The district successfully balances its reputation for academic rigor with a growing focus on student mental health and inclusivity, cementing its status as a top-tier California district.
Schools
West Contra Costa Unified is currently a distressed district characterized by a severe academic divide and significant financial instability. While a few schools in affluent areas maintain 10/10 ratings and high community engagement, the district's overall portfolio is dominated by underperforming schools, with a substantial portion of elementary and middle schools scoring 1/10 or 2/10. Recent reports of a multi-million dollar structural deficit, teacher strikes, and safety incidents at secondary campuses highlight a system under intense pressure. Despite strong career technical education pathways and a commitment to diversity, the district’s struggle to maintain fiscal solvency and close persistent achievement gaps suggests a fragile operational environment.
Schools
School Insights for Garfield
Below average outcomes; significant attendance and academic challenges.
School Insights
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